1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1981 Citroen Mehari
To start off, 1981 Citroen Mehari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Alfa Romeo GT weights approximately 395 kg more than 1981 Citroen Mehari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Alfa Romeo GT is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Citroen Mehari, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Alfa Romeo GT (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Alfa Romeo GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 1981 Citroen Mehari | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Model | GT | Mehari |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
